ofnifflersandkings:

Title: Friend of a Friend
Character: Markus: DBH
A/n: Fem reader this time around, just because it made establishing the family ties easier for me.

•

You let out a heavy exhale as you leaned against the now closing doors of the bus. You looked down at your phone, debating if you might have to get a new one soon. This was the third time your alarm didn’t go off even though all the settings were correct.

You didn’t even have time to fasten the buttons on your coat. And stars only knew how mangled your hair looked from the heavy wind.

The only luck you’d faced was how empty the bus was, early bird rides were only ever filled with the odd small number of people up for work.

You took a seat at the bench near the back, taking the moment to finally catch your breath, finding a little comfort in knowing you wouldn’t be late.

You sat your bag next to you, shuffling through its various contents until you pulled out a little sketchbook and a broken pencil. Sketching out the passengers was something you always did on bus journeys.

You were halfway through a sketch of the elderly couple seated towards the front of the bus when your eyes drifted over to door that sectioned off the Androids.

They all blankly stared straight ahead, and you couldn’t help but admire the features of each one. You’d spend majority of your life surrounded by Androids, and you had yet to find a model that was relatively unattractive.

You quickly scribbed out the finishing touches for the couple and began several small portraits of the Androids you could see.

By the time your bus had reached its destination, you had covered almost a whole spreadsheet in your sketchbook. They made wonderful models, they stood perfectly still and you didn’t have to worry about the awkwardness that ensues when someone catches you drawing them.

You shoved your materials in your bag and made a beeline for the exit. Giving your wrist a quick glance to make sure you were still on schedule.

With a hop out off the bus, you took a moment to inhale the fresh air before you picked your pace up again to make for the front doors of the art museum.

•

“Here will do just fine, Markus,” Carl instructed, giving a lookover at all of his paintings in the exhibition. “Knowing (Y/n), she’ll be here in a few moments. Always had a small obsession with punctuality.”

Markus removed his hands from the wheelchair handles and chuckled. “Perhaps you could take a few notes.”

Carl feigned insult. “I’m an old man! Sue me if I wanna spend a day in bed.”

“It’s very rare for you to go through all this trouble for someone visiting. I’m curious as to why that is?”

“(Y/n) is the neice of a good friend of mine. I met her when she was around six years old. Tiny thing came up to me with a little crayon drawing and asked if I would critique it for her. I’ve been very fond of her ever since, so I always bring her here when she comes to visit me.”

“She’s an artist as well?”

Carl nodded. “She’s certainly grown much from the first drawing she showed me. I went to all of her school exhibitions before the accident.”

Markus nodded and turne his attention to the door, knowing Carl never liked to dwell on that subject for too long.

He heard the doors burst open, and could only barely make out someone running towards them. Just as they were approaching him and Carl, they tripped up on a loose shoelace on their boot.

You were able to catch yourself, but your bag went flying to the floorboards. You didn’t have time to close it back up again on the bus, so all of it’s contents spilled out everywhere.

Markus moved to help you, crouching down as he picked up several pencils and a small journal. He cast a glance over at you as he held out your things, but his movements faltered when he finally got a good look at you.

Your hair was absolutely everywhere, and you had a mortified expression on your face as you rushed to put all your things away. Your coat was falling off the one shoulder and he could see the way your shoulders rose and fell as you caught your breath.

You met gazes and your cheeks flooded with heat as you quickly took your things and shoved them away and fixed your coat.

“Thank you,” You said, standing back up and eyeing Carl with a bashful expression. “At least I made it on time?”

Carl laughed, holding his hand out for you to take. “You certainly know how make an enterence, my dear.”

You bent down to hug him, reviling in how nice it was to see him after so long.

“I see you’ve already met, Markus,” Carl said, gesturing back to the man who’d helped you earlier.

Only he wasn’t a man.

In your embarrassment you’d failed to notice the LED circle on his head or the way his jacket lit up.

You felt another wave of embarrassment as you held out your hand. “I’m really, truly sorry about that. I never pay much attention.”

Markus shook his head, it was rare for him to interract with a human for so long. The only other person he truly he spoke to was Carl.

“It’s not a problem. A friend of Carl’s is a friend of mine.” He spoke after a moment, taking your hand and shaking it. “It’s very nice to meet you, (Y/n).”

You smiled at him and nodded.

Carl cleared his throat, and you turned back to him. “I told Markus a little about you, but perhaps you’ll get to talk more later. I’ve been meaning to ask about how school’s going.”

The three of you entered the room for Carl’s exhibition, it stretched on for what felt like ages. You were slightly distracted by all the new work before you remembered the question.

“It’s great, all of my professors are wonderful. Just this week we went up to the hiking trails-“

The two of you continued to speak about the various adventures you’d been having at art school. Markus remained quiet for most of the time, his focus on your voice as he pushed Carl through the room.

It was only until you turned to him that he realized he had been staring.

Markus froze, you looked at him expectantly and he figured you must have asked him something.

“My apologizes, I wasn’t paying attention.”

Carl chuckled and turned to look over his shoulder. “She asked if you had any interest in art.”

“Oh,” Markus turned back to you and nodded. “Carl’s taught me a lot about various fine art subjects since I’ve been with him. I only help him maneuver and organize his studio, but I’ve taken interest in it.”

“Really? Do you have a favorite painting of his?”

Markus looked back in his database of all the paintings he’d seen, but came up short with a favorite. “I really can’t say.”

To his minor disappointment, you only nodded and turned back to speak with Carl.

You all spent the rest of the morning in the museum, taking about various subjects relating to art and history. Time flew by and you found yourself enjoying the company of the two.

“Ah, I’d love to stay longer, but I have a class this afternoon. I should try to catch up on some sleep,” You said, taking the time to make sure your bag was closed and your coat buttoned. “But it was really nice seeing you again, Carl.”

Carl smiled at her. “(Y/n), are you sure you won’t consider your mother’s offer to get an Android? I’m worried you’re overworking yourself and not getting the rest you need.”

You sighed, running your hand down the strap of your bag. “I’ve told her I don’t want one. I don’t think I can handle managing another presence at my place when I can barely focus as it is.”

Carl was quiet for a moment when he turned to look at Markus. “Well, maybe you don’t have to have one full time,” He saw your expression and continued. “Why not let Markus stop by this week to help you out?”

You turned to him and sputtered. “Oh no, I couldn’t. I’m sure you’re already busy with taking care of Carl, you don’t have to do that.”

Markus found himself speaking up for once. “It wouldn’t be any trouble. I’m quite efficient with housework, I could complete my tasks and be out of your way in no time.”

“Plus, I’ve got to spend majority of my week with my publisher. Wants to make a new digital version of my art books and needs me to confirm the layout and all that nonsense. Markus would just be standing around otherwise.”

Your gaze went back and forth between the two men before you sighed in defeat. “Alright, I promise you won’t have much to do.”

“Like I said,” Markus stood just a bit taller. “You won’t have to worry about a thing.”

You smiled, eyes going back to your watch. “Well I have a bus to catch, I’ll see you both later. It was nice meeting you, Markus.”

“Likewise,” He replied, watching you run back towards the door you came in from.

“(Y/n)’s quite the stubborn girl, isn’t she? Just like her mother.”

“I see a lot of you in her.”

Carl chuckled. “Believe me, I was quite aware of how much you were looking at her.”

Markus almost short circuited and turned to him. “If you find it inappropriate I’m sure I can-“

Carl continued to laugh. “Geez, I think we need to get you out more. It isn’t a problem with me, I know you’re a nice enough young man.”

Markus opened his mouth to speak but was too embarrassed to say anything. “I’d like to talk about something else.”

ofnifflersandkings:

Title: Day Nurse
Character: Markus: DBH
A/n: Call this a spinoff from the last Markus story to explain their relationship background and how he knows where you live aight?

•

Your eyes slowly peeled open when you heard the sound of heavy rain hitting against your window. On most days, this wouod have been a pleasant awakening. But today, all it did was make your ears ring and you found yourself burrying your head under your pillow to block out the noise.

You don’t know how long you stayed like that, but it was enough to fall back into a comfortable slumber. Unfortunately, that only lasted for a short while. You were once again interrupted by someone knocking on your door.

With an audible groan, you threw your warm covers off of you and pushed yourself up into a sitting position. Your hands rushed up to hold your head as you could feel the pain swell behind your eyes, and it was almost enough to knock you back down into bed.

The knocking persisted however, and you had no choice but to grab something warm to put over your pajamas and hobble down the stairs.

When the door was in your eyesight, you paused. The heels of your hands pressing into your eyes to try and null the pain for just a moment.

You opened the door to find Markus standing there, seemingly unfazed by the fact that was getting drenched from the rain.

“Markus? What are you doing here?” Despite yourself, you had to lean against the doorframe to support yourself.

“Carl sent me to-“ He broke off, noticing your stance and the way it looked like all life was completely drained from your face. “Are you alright?”

You were about to answer, but a wave of nausea completely shut off any coherent thinking to leave your brain.

Without even a response, you dashed back into your house before you were sick of all over your front porch in front of your friend.

The moments after that were a little hazy, but when your eyes opened you were back in your bed. Your blankets were tucked around you and the pain in your head wasn’t as bad as earlier.

You pushed yourself up and rubbed at your eyes. When they came back into focus, you saw a glass of water and an unopened pack of crackers sitting on your bedside table.

With your conscious slowly returning, you remembered the events of the morning and you couldn’t help but wonder where Markus had gone.

You didn’t have to wait on an answer for too long. In an instant the door of your bedroom opened and you saw him walk in, carrying a tray piled with all sorts of things.

“Oh good, you’re awake,” Markus gave you a small grin as he rounded about your bed to place the tray on your side table. “I was worried about you back there.”

“I’m sorry about that,” You said, wrapping the fronts of your cardigan tighter around your body. “I just wasn’t feeling that well when I woke up.”

“Are you cold?” He took a seat on the edge of your bed and started to scan for your temperature. “You still have a fever but it’s not as bad as it was when I brought you to bed.”

“I think it’s just a bug. A couple people in my class started to feel pretty bad earlier this week so I must have caught it.” You brought the crook of your elbow to your mouth so you could cough.

“It’s a good thing I came over then, hm?” Markus said with an amused smile as he handed the water glass to you. “Drink some of this, you lost a lot of fluid.”

This is how it was for the next half hour or so. Markus would check your tempting every now and then and offer small bits of food and water to see if your stomach was settling down.

You didn’t really mind being taken care of too much. It was only until Markus brought out a tall bottle of dark looking liquid that you started to complain.

“What on earth is that.”

“Medicine?” Markus gave you an odd look. “It was in your cabinet, have you never seen it?”

You frowned. “I don’t remember buying it, but whatever it is I’m not taking it.”

The deadpan expression he gave you almost made you laugh, but you remained firm in your disinterest.

“(Y/n), it’s just cold medicine,” He held the bottle in front of your face. “Look, it’s even cherry flavor.”

Markus took a large spoon from off the tray and proceeded to pour the red liquid into it. You could see from your spot how thick it was, the dark red color doing little to ease your suspicions.

“Whoop, guess I can’t have it. I’m allergic to cherries.”

“No, you aren’t. You have a small intolerance for shellfish but nothing came up for cherries.” Markus held the spoon out to you, but you shook your head.

“You look like a little kid. It’s just medicine.”

You grumbled unhappily. “Still not taking it.”

Markus frowned. “(Y/n), take your medicine.” He prodded the spoon closer towards you but you just shook your head and pulled your face away from him.

This went on for a minute or two before he sighed. “You’re worse than Carl,” He lowered his arm and took a moment. “Look, you can either take your medicine like an adult or I’ll have to make you take it.”

You were about to question how he planned to do that, but as soon as your mouth opened he plopped the spoon inside.

You jerked from the surprise, but it was a little too late to just spit it back out and you had just washed these sheets.

So you pulled the spoon back out, grimacing at the awful taste of artificial cherry flavoring as Markus looked on with a smug expression.

“See? Was that so hard?”

You swallowed it with a shudder. “I hope you go back out in the rain and short-circuit.”

Markus chuckled. “Insult me all you’d like, you’ll be thanking me when you feel better tomorrow.”

ofnifflersandkings:

Title: A Small Re-Encounter
Character: DBH: Markus
A/n: It occured to me how little i write for deviant markus, but it’s mostly cause i struggle to coherently plot your character into it since Markus never really leaves Jericho when not on missions. I hope this isn’t too off the mark.

•

You pressed your interlaced fingers against your chest as you cracked your knuckles, finding the silent bus ride to be a complete bore. Everyone was preoccupied with themselves and you really wanted to save your book for the park.

With a quiet sigh, you leaned back in your seat. The only positive things that ever came from these trips was the time it gave you to focus on your thoughts.

It was welcomed, considering how much had happened over the last few days.

Thinking about it too much made your heart ache, but it had to be delt with at some point. Sooner rather than later.

Then you might be able to properly move on from it.

You had a formed a strong friendship with an android called Markus. He was the pragmatic companion of an old friend of yours, Carl Manfred.

The two of you met as part of a business transaction. You had just been promoted to the curator position of the museum Carl held his exhibitions.

Dozens of people had told you that you were too young for the position, too inexperienced. And in your absolute determination to astound them all with your rightful skill. You didn’t notice the artist of the very exhibition you were planning greet you.

Thankfully, Carl was the more understanding type. He even offered you a few small tips to arrange the paintings and how to deal with unwanted advice.

He was so impressed with your results, he continued to issue exhibitions at your museum and insisted you be in charge of his work.

That’s also when you met his Android, Markus. Whom you later realized was far more of a dear companion to the older man than a simple task droid.

You were amazed by his interest in the arts, and allowed him to chatter with you as you worked. Granted, he didn’t say much beyond ask a dozen question. Preferring to hear your thoughts than explain his own.

The two of you became fast friends, and you cherished his opinion very highly over the months you got to know one another better.

Unfortunately, that all came to a rather sudden halt when Markus was taken from Carl and sent to be taken apart for something they called deviancy.

Frankly, it all sounded like a bunch of complete and utter hogwash, but who were you to say anything.

Perhaps some might view it as odd, knowing that you had such a personal relationship with an android. But you couldn’t help yourself, you missed Markus’ company.

Your reminiscing came to halt when the bus came to your stop. Prompting you to put those thoughts on hold for a late date.

Maybe you could manage to enjoy your day for once.

•

Markus look back down at his palm, eyeing the Jericho symbol once more. He could recall seeing it tagged on various buildings and billboards all over the city, but he never thought much of them.

Even with the visual implications of his Android status now removed, he couldn’t help but like everyone was looking at him. That if he even moved his head the wrong way, he’d be found out and dragged back to the junkyard.

It made him realize all the small things that made humans stand out. Remember to breathe in and out, blink more than he had to, maybe even pretend to cough once in awhile. Whatever kept the illusion alive.

Markus sighed, letting his hand fall back to his side. He closed his eyes for a moment, but when he opened them again his thirium pump regulator about shot out of his chest.

He saw you.

At least, he was almost certain it was you. He could only see your side profile, but that was your hair and the coat you always wore to the museum.

You stepped off your bus and started making your way down the street. The more you moved away from his range of vision the more he followed after you, until he almost hit a wall.

He should have just let you go. It wouldn’t be fair to you to drag you into his troubles.

But still, the part of him that always enjoyed your presence wanted to run after you. Did you know what happened to him? Did you care?

Just as you were about to be completely lost to the city, Markus made a run for it.

Jericho wasn’t going anywhere. He had to see you, if only one last time.

Markus trailed you all the way to the city park. He kept his distance from you, all of his courage suddenly gone as he tried to figure out what he planned to say to you.

You took a seat at one of the benches that framed a tall water fountain at the center of th park. A book was opened on your lap as you remained unware of your friend.

Maybe this was a bad idea. What on earth was he supposed to say to you?

He shook his head, seeing you up close was enough for him. He decided to turn back, but with one last glance in your direction, he saw you were looking right at him.

Your brows were furrowed together, as if you were trying to decide if you recognized the person standing behind a tree.

Markus was frozen to the spot, but you had set your book aside and stood from the bench.

You took a few steps towards him, and he felt like going into panic mode.

“Markus?”

Despite all instincts telling him to run away, knowing he could easily lose your trail, he stepped out from behind the tree.

“Hello.”

Now knowing you weren’t seeing some tired figment of your imagination, you approached him until you were close enough to pull Markus into a hug.

Markus faltered at first, his hands hovering above your sides as your arms came to wrap around his neck and shoulders.

It only lasted a moment, the comforting embrace was much welcomed after the days he’d been having. His slowly let his arms hug you back.

“Are you alright?!” You asked once finally letting him go. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

“I’m fine,” Markus said, trying to brush off the fact that his shirt was in shreds and his coat was falling apart. “It’s just a little strange.”

You went to say something else, but you got a look on your face. Grabbing Markus by the chin you slowly turned him to look at his temple.

“You’re LED is gone,” Your voice was just above a whisper. “And your eyes.” Markus used to have green eyes, but now one of them was blue.

“I’m sorry this all happened to you,” You said, letting your hand slide to his shoulder. “If I can help you at all, please let me know how.”

Markus couldn’t help but feel flustered. “I never thought you’d care this much.”

“What do you mean? I’ve always cared, you’re someone that’s very important to me.”

He gave you a look, your simple phrase making him forget about his plans for a moment. Wanting nothing more than follow you and figure out something else.

But something stopped him, something telling him that Jericho was were he needed to go.

He supposed this is what humans often referred to as a ‘calling’.

Markus sighed. “Thank you, but I know where to go.”

Maybe he was just imagining it, but you almost looked disappointed.

“Well, no matter where you end up. You know where to find me if you’re ever in any trouble.”

“It’s so good to see you,” Markus said, taking your hand in both of his. “I’d like to stay with you longer, but there’s somewhere I need to go.”

You smiled, and used your free hand to hold his. “I understand, I wish you all the luck in the world.”

“Thank you,” He said, letting his hands linger for a moment before he let you go. “I’ll find you again once things settle down, I promise.”

You laughed, and pointed at him sternly. “I’ll hold you to that, Markus.”

He smiled, nodding his head one last time before he ran back to the train station. Talking to you gave him a small glimmer of hope, but he knew it would be a long time until he saw you again.